NC H1044

The North Carolina Collaboratory at UNC Chapel Hill shall conduct a study on potential changes to the county tier designation system under G.S. 143B-437.08, examining changes to ranking criteria, assignment methods, and time frames.

The study shall evaluate impacts on all 100 counties' rankings, programs using the tier system, and ease of doing business in the state.

The Collaboratory must consult with the Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Public Instruction to assess whether proposed changes align with economic development goals, use current data, employ understandable methodology, and accurately identify distressed areas.

A preliminary report is due by December 31, 2024, and a final report by December 1, 2025, both submitted to the Joint Legislative Economic Development and Global Engagement Oversight Committee and Fiscal Research Division.

$100,000 in nonrecurring funds is appropriated from the General Fund for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to conduct the study, with the act effective July 1, 2024.